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After the heart, the diaphragm is perhaps the most important muscle in the body. The chief muscle of breathing, the diaphragm is a dome-shaped sheet of muscular tissue extending across the body below the chest cavity and separating the lungs and heart from the abdomen. The edge of the diaphragm follows the general outline of the lower ribs and attaches to the breastbone, or sternum, in front. During inhalation, the diaphragm straightens and compresses downward, allowing air to move into the lungs. Upon quiet exhalation, the diaphragm relaxes and returns to its domed shape. Irritation of the diaphragm causes it to contract abruptly, producing hiccups. (See alsolung; respiratory system.)

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